After a long 15 weeks, classes and term papers are complete. “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭

Today’s blessing was to enjoy one last common room gathering with our Deacon class. Under the new Program for Priestly Formation the 4th year (Deacon Year) men only spend a semester in the seminary then they go to their parish assignments for the Spring semester. Tonight was their final conference and afterward the final time the whole community gathered in our common space to relax after a long day of studies. “Iron is sharpened by iron; one person sharpens another.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬ ‭

“When I found your words, I devoured them; your words were my joy, the happiness of my heart, Because I bear your name, Lord, God of hosts.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭15‬:‭16‬ ‭ Blessing today was helping to lead a Bible Study for a group of high school students at my Pastoral assignment in Scituate Mass. 5 high school students put aside homework and video games at 7pm on a Tuesday night to come out to the parish and dive deeper into Sacred Scripture. Tonight we focused on the Gospel for Midnight Mass on Christmas.

“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭49‬ Double blessing today! First, I renewed my Marian Consecration along with about 8 other seminarians and our Director of Spiritual Formation around our Marian Altar. The Altar is in such a perfect place to show what Marian Consecration is about. In order to pass into our Chapel where our Lord is, we first must pass the Marian Altar. To Jesus, through Mary! Secondly, because today is a Holy Day of Obligation we had the day off from classes! Another day free to get ahead in studying and paper writing (or catch up on sleep) before our finals begin next week.

“Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it.” Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭6‬ Today’s blessing was being able to see my parents. They came up to Boston last night for Lessons and Carols and then stayed the night and joined the seminary for Mass this morning. It is not often that I see my parents unless we are on a break, and even less often that I am able to sit with them at Mass. I was reminded looking at that Bible verse about all of the times my family went to Mass together and how my parents would guide me through the prayers and how they taught me the basic prayers growing up. Now with that good seed being planted as a child I am here studying for the priesthood. What an awesome gift it is to have the faith passed down.